- Pennsylvania Alert: House Bill 2450 introduced on April 27 and amends Title 34 of the PA Consolidated Statutes.

House Bill 2450 (HB2450) was introduced on April 27 and amends (changes) Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The main scope of the bill is to redefine "exotic wildlife."

We have had several members and supporters point some good aspects, as well as some negative aspects or this bill.

The bill does include a list of species, but that list is not inclusive as the bill clearly states it applies to "all nonindigenous animals." Following the list, there are species exemptions. This bill actually removes several species from the current exotic wildlife designation meaning some species which are currently wrongfully banned will be legal to keep.

Under HB2450, the term "exotic wildlife" does not include: any member of the class Aves (birds), any member of the families Equidae (horses, asses and zebras), Camelidae (camels, alpacas and llamas), Cervidae (deer, moose and elk), Bovidae (wild cattle and spiral-horned antelopes), Muridae (rats and mice), Chinchillidae (chinchillas and viscachas), Leporidae (rabbits and hares), Petauridae (gliders and striped possums) or any member of the species Mustela furo (domestic ferrets) or Cavia porcellus (domestic guinea pigs) or any domestic animal as that term is defined in 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 55 Subch. B. (relating to cruelty to animals).

To clarify, exotic wildlife will now mean any nonindigenous animal not listed in the above paragraph (except herps and fish, see bottom of post for explanation). That means certain species, such as ferrets and sugar gliders, can now be legally kept in Pennsylvania (if the bill passes).

The bill does add that it is illegal to "Allow members of the public the opportunity to come into direct contact with exotic wildlife."

Pennsylvania did pass a law prohibiting exotic wildlife several years ago: On and after January 1, 2014, the commission shall not issue any new permits authorized under subsection (a) for the possession of exotic wildlife, and may only issue permits as set forth in sections 2962 (relating to exotic wildlife dealer permits) and 2964 (relating to menagerie permits).

Read the HB2450 text at this link. Text highlighted in grey will be removed and underlined text will be added.  CLICK HERE

Get full details on the bill:  HERE

HB2450 has been referred to the House Game and Fisheries Committee: CLICK HERE

NOTE: While the new definition of exotic wildlife outwardly seems to include herps, it doesn't. Herps are regulated under Title 30 in Pennsylvania and fall under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Title 34, affected by this bill and dealing with mammals and birds, falls under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.